From any standpoint, things may not be going perfectly for us or people around the world as a whole. Empty shelves haunt grocery stores. The stock markets are plunging. Social distancing protocols have cancelled everything from March Madness to church services. The coronavirus, COVID-19, has fundamentally changed our lives. Jackson Prep has handled this crisis like many other schools, switching to remote learning and prioritizing the safety of everyone involved at our school.

Yes, prom has been cancelled. Advanced Placement exams have been dramatically changed in time period and material to fit the new challenges COVID-19 has posed. Students are now forbidden to roam the Prep campus during school hours. In the midst of all this adversity and inconsistency, there are some things to be optimistic about.

The way the Prep community, including teachers, administrators, parents, and students, has come together (virtually, of course) to make remote learning a reality is truly astonishing. Teachers have been patient with their students and have lightened coursework to help everyone get adjusted. Students, with a few exceptions, have made the best of this new way of learning by quickly adapting and taking their virtual classes just as seriously as if they were in person.

Social distancing is definitely a burden, but it is the least we can do to stop the spread and flatten the curve of this disease. Despite the downsides of staying home, there is always something to be thankful for and look forward to. Spending more time and learning to get along better with family, catching up on sleep, having some quiet time, and taking advantage of the free time in the remote learning schedule are all good things that have been effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the world seems to be going into panic mode, it is comforting to remember that eventually everything will go back to the way it was, and we will come out of this more determined to make an impact in our school, city, country, and the world. Meanwhile, remember to stay home as much as possible, avoid touching your face, and wash your hands! Be healthy and stay safe!

Staff editorials represent the consensus view of the newspaper staff (in this case, the Sentry II class), and emerge from a discussion among staff members.